The Cat in the Hat Rules and Order Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line)

Quote #1

"A lot of good tricks.I will show them to you.Your motherWill not mind at all if I do." (38-41)

Pretty tricky, Cat. He asks the kids to break their mother's rules while telling them that she won't mind. No wonder they're confused. This can also be kind of scary; after all, it's usually a warning sign if someone asks a child to do something they know their parent would disagree with. Here's your chance to have a conversation about it.

Quote #2

"He should not be here.He should not be about. He should not be here When your mother is out!" (50-53)

The kids aren't quite sure what their mother's rules are for a situation like this—a giant cat has never come into their home before. But the fish is sure. As a character, he's responsible for articulating the voice of the absent adult. Way to keep things in line, fish.

Quote #3

"I will NOT go away.I do NOT wish to go!" (135-36)

The Cat refuses to accept the fish's authority or his version of the rules. This feline is confident that his services are needed. There is too much order in this house, and he won't leave until that order is good and disrupted.